McIlroy pulls within shot of lead at Texas Open

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the second hole during the second round of the Texas Open golf tournament, Friday, April 5, 2013, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Rory McIlroy matched the low round of the day with a 5-under par 67 and moved within a shot of the lead at the Texas Open on Friday, continuing his last-minute preparations for next week's Masters.

The world's No. 2 golfer, who decided to play in the tournament late last week, had seven birdies — including his final three holes — and overcame a bogey on No. 9 after driving into the rough and catching his left shin on a nearby cactus.

McIlroy is a shot back of a group of four leaders at 6 under, including Daniel Summerhays, Steven Bowditch, Charley Hoffman and Billy Horschel, with Horschel still on the course.

Thursday's co-leaders, Matt Bettencourt and Peter Tomasulo, each shot 1-over 73s and fell two shots off the lead.